As a punishment for not doing a good job, Kyrgyzstan's leader is not allowing officials to take any holidays until later this year. Since President Kurmanbek Bakiyev came to power in Kyrgyzstan last year, the area has been plagued by crime and violence.

In an unusual getaway promotion a Hungarian travel agency is trying to cash in on flooding in Budapest by offering "disaster holidays. "Travel agency Popeye has begun advertising and soliciting tours of the region's flood sites. Popeye is also offering guided tours to take travelers around Budapest's "disaster zones. "

McDonald's golden arches are getting a makeover. The worldwide hamburger chain is going to distinguish its kosher restaurants with the blue and white colors of Israel's flag in 14 restaurants. The move is aimed at preventing religious Jews from accidentally eating a cheeseburger. According to the Guardian Online, the change is expected to be made at ten other branches Jewish religious authorities have given kosher certificates to. . . because they do not include dairy products on their menus.

The Brazilian Health Ministry will hand out 25 million free condoms during the country's Carnival holidays in an effort to encourage safe sex. The government's anti-AIDS program will distribute the condoms at health clinics and in public squares and dances, reports Reuters.

People aren't the only ones making New Year's resolutions to lose a few pounds. According to veterinarians and pet owners in Britain, 33 percent of pets were considered to be overweight and 38 percent of pet owners says their animals put on weight during the Christmas holiday. Overweight pets can face a host of illnesses, like humans, including diabetes, arthritis and heart conditions, according to research released Friday.